1. Specifications

The nuvi 880 uses the same high-quality screen found on the nuvi 700-series, weighs the same, and is only 0.1-inches wider and taller. The most noticeable physical difference is the nuvi 880 has two front-facing speakers, located on the right and left side of the display.

Also new to the nuvi 880 is the move from a non-serviceable internal battery to a user-removable, lithium-ion battery.

The nuvi 880 has a bronze/gray border around the display, and an all-black plastic case. Except for the power switch on the top of the case, there are no visible controls on the nuvi 880. All operations are performed either via the 4.3" color touch screen or by voice commands.

Unlike previous Garmin nuvi models, which had a single speaker located on the rear of the device, the 800-series nuvis have two front-firing speakers, located on the left and right of the LCD display.

The nuvi 880 feels solid and well built.

Figure 4: Garmin nuvi 880, Rear

The nuvi 880 has a user-replaceable, lithium-ion battery. The GPS antenna is located just behind the Garmin logo.

Figure 5: Garmin nuvi 880, Top

The power key is located on the top of the nuvi 880. Sliding the power switch to the left turns the unit on or off. Sliding the switch to the right locks the screen (so that no keys can be accidentally pressed).

Figure 6: Garmin nuvi 880, Left Side

The left side of the nuvi 880 is home to a headphone/audio out jack, micro SD card slot, and USB port for connecting the 880 to a PC/Mac. The USB port can also be used to charge the nuvi's battery outside the vehicle.

Note that all the maps and POI (Points of Interest) information is stored internally on the nuvi 880, so you'll only need a Micro SD card if you intent to load additional maps, or make use of the multi-media capabilities, such as the mp3 player or audio book player. Previous nuvi models used the more popular SD memory card (used by most digital cameras) rather than the smaller Micro SD card format.

Micro SD isn't as convenient as SD, since you're less likely to have an extra card laying around. As of this writing 2GB Micro SD cards are available online for under $20.

Figure 7: Garmin nuvi 880, Right Side

Figure 8: Garmin nuvi 880, Bottom

An external antenna connector is located on the bottom of the nuvi 880, as is the 34-pin docking connector. The external antenna connector is protected by a rubber cap, removed here in the photo for illustrative purposes.

Figure 9: Removing the Battery Cover

Many customers will rejoice at Garmin's decision to switch from an internal battery to a user-replaceable, lithium-ion battery on the nuvi 880. In the event you continue to use the nuvi 880 beyond the life of the rechargeable battery, a battery replacement can be purchased for around $25.

Figure 10: Insert the Battery into the nuvi 880

The lithium-ion battery only fits into the nuvi 880 the correct way, thanks to plastic guides on the battery that prevent you from accidentally inserting the battery the wrong way around.

Once the battery is installed, slide the battery cover back on until it snaps into place.